Backyard makeovers are about creating spaces to enjoy with family, friends

Backyard makeovers are about creating spaces to enjoy with family, friends

Publication: The Post and CourierDate: June 14, 2014

When it came time for a home improvement project, Virginia and David Mandell debated between a media room and a backyard makeover.

Virginia Mandell knew their three kids would play video games on a screen the size of a toaster oven so she voted to overhaul the backyard, which was little more than a grassy patch overlooking marsh. “I wanted us to be outside,” she said.

So the Mandells enlisted the help of Jody Smith, owner of Coastal Rock Productions, to transform their yard into an outdoor living space the family could enjoy year-round.